Ponzi Vineyards
Pinot Gris 2018
Willamette Valley
One of the original and most recognized Oregon and U.S. Pinot Gris producers, Ponzi was a major influence in establishing Pinot Gris as the first quality white grape variety in Oregon. Ponzi’s Pinot Gris is an irresistibly aromatic and expressive wine, and serves as a first encounter for many wine drinkers with Oregon wines and the Ponzi estate.
Vineyard
The 2018 Pinot Gris is produced from LIVE Certified Sustainable Ponzi Aurora, Avellana and Estate Vineyards, as well as select vineyards from around the Willamette Valley.
Winemaking
Fermented in temperature controlled, stainless-steel tanks, not exceeding 55˚F. Malolactic fermentation was prohibited to retain the bright and lively character of the wine. Stelvin closures (screwcaps) were used on 100% of the production.
Vintage
Certain vintages make winemakers feel irrelevant; the 2018 vintage in the Willamette Valley was just that. The weather conditions throughout the growing season remained so ideal that the fruit came into the winery in pristine condition, perfectly and slowly ripened to intense flavor and maturity, all the winemaker needed to do was step aside and allow gorgeous wines to happen.
The season began with each milestone hit at the expected time (bud break mid-April, flowering mid June and fruit set in mid-July). The warm and dry summer had us all believing we were in for another early vintage and ripening due to heat stress, but early September rains allowed the vines a drink and cooler nights slowed down ripening to allow the fruit to be picked when perfectly ready.
The white wines are aromatic and fresh with great fruit intensity and the reds are deeply colored with beautiful tannin structure, spicy dark fruits flavors and inherent balance. These wines should be pretty amazing on release, but have all that’s needed to take some age and evolution
Tasting Notes
“Honeydew melon, white peach, kaffir lime with spicy notes of cardamon, clove and floral aromatics of pear blossom and candied orange make this appealing nose leap from the glass. The fresh palate is defined by tangerine and kumquat acidity intermingled with apricot and green tea.” – Winemaker, Luisa Ponzi
Food Pairing
A versatile wine that easily stands alone as an aperitif then pairs with Japanese, Chinese & Korean dishes as well as soft cheeses.
Color
White
Grape Varieties
Pinot Gris
Appellation
Willamette Valley
Alcohol
13.1%
Suggested Retail Price
$19.00
Reviews
"Depth and energy"
Vinous - September 4, 2020
"Silver-hued straw. Vibrant aromas of grapefruit pith, green apple and pungent flowers, backed by subtle mineral and honey nuances. Juicy, focused and light on its feet, offering tangy citrus and orchard fruit flavors that deepen through the midpalate. Finishes long and silky, with lingering florality and a touch of pear nectar. I like the interplay of depth and energy here."
Reviews
More on Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Gris 2018
Bottle Service: What to Drink Now
July 23, 2020 - As the country's leading lifestyle culinary publication, Food & Wine knows that readers are constantly seeking exciting, refreshing ways to enjoy fresh summer produce this season and tips on wines…
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
Laurelwood Pinot Noir
Laurelwood District, Chehalem Mountains, Willamette Valley
For over 50 years, the Ponzi family has farmed 140 acres of certified sustainable vineyards all planted on Laurelwood soil. Situated along the Northern ridge of the Willamette Valley, these ancient soils are comprised of fractured basalt layered over with a fine, windblown sediment called loess. A decade-long effort by sisters Maria and Luisa, alongside their neighbors has resulted in the recognition of Oregon’s first soil-based AVA, the Laurelwood District. The 2019 vintage boasts the new label design, with a textured effect that resembles the layers of the Laurelwood soils.
Pinot Noir Reserve
Chehalem Mountains, Willamette Valley
Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Noir Reserve is the epitome of restrained power. It hails from estate grown fruit on Laurelwood soils in the Chehalem Mountains, including from some of Oregon’s oldest vines. This remarkably complex wine is handcrafted with tremendous attention to detail.
Laurelwood Chardonnay
Laurelwood District, Willamette Valley, Oregon
The Ponzi family has dedicated over 30 years to innovation in farming and winemaking to develop Oregon Chardonnay's place in the world. Luisa Ponzi's formative experiences working in Burgundy in the early 1990s guide her vision of producing complex and ageworthy Chardonnay.
Tavola Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley
Tavola is Ponzi's delicious early release Pinot Noir, a fruit-forward wine with soft tannins, made primarily from younger, lower elevations vines. Meant for early consumption, it is an unbeatable value for quality Pinot Noir.
